Welsh Government and Politics (MSc Econ)

This programme provides an informed insight and understanding of the political landscape of Wales. Due to devolution and distinctive historical and cultural factors, Welsh politics is a fascinating and fast-evolving topic of study. The course benefits from close links with the institutions of devolved government in Wales.

The changing political and legal landscape in Wales poses exciting and challenging questions for those with an academic or professional interest in politics and policy.

This course of study is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the institutions and practices of governance in post-devolution Wales. In addition to focusing on politics and governance in Wales, the course locates developments in Wales in a broader UK and European context, providing also an overview of relationships between the various levels of governance. The course is taught by the leading experts in Welsh politics and government and benefits from the close links that exist between Cardiff University and the institutions of devolved government in Wales.

The MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics provides an informed insight into, and understanding of, the emerging Welsh polity, a polity based on distinctive historical and cultural factors, a fast evolving constitutional dispensation, new policy-making processes, and still developing civil society capacity.

The relevance of the scheme is not confined to Wales. Issues relating to shared sovereignty and multi-level governance are central to contemporary political debates and the Welsh case provides a fascinating case study of broader trends in European and global governance.

Distinctive features

The MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics offers close proximity to the main institutions of Welsh governance and opportunities to take advantage of the School’s close links to the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and the United Nations Association (Wales).

You will be learning in a School ranked in the top 100 world-wide.

Key facts

Next intake	September 2020
Duration	1 year
Qualification	MSc Econ
Mode	Full-time
Other ways to study this course	Part-time Msc econ
Contact	Admissions Team lawpladmissions@cardiff.ac.uk +44 (0)29 2087 6102

Admissions criteria

Suitable for graduates who normally possess a 2:1 degree classification in International Relations, Politics, English, Modern Languages, History, Religious Studies, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy and Journalism.

In addition, applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other components, or an equivalent English language qualification. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.

Early application is strongly advised, normally well before the end of July. Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements

You will take compulsory and optional modules offered by the School of Law and Politics (subject to any pre-requisite conditions, accommodation, timetable or other constraints that may apply in that particular year) and complete a dissertation.

The course is delivered in two stages. Stage One (the taught component) comprises 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules. Stage Two comprises the dissertation.

During Stage One, you will be taught and assessed in modules in each semester. You will progress to the dissertation upon successful completion of Stage One.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2020/21 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2020.

Year One comprises taught modules to the value of 120 credits, delivered through 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules.

Upon successful completion of the taught stage, you will progress to the 60 credit dissertation.

Core modules

Module title	Module code	Credits
Dissertation	PLT025	60 credits

Optional modules

Module title	Module code	Credits
The Law of Devolution in Wales	CLT605	30 credits
Constitutionalism and Governance	CLT606	30 credits
Public International Law	PLT052	15 credits
Contemporary Welsh Politics	PLT053	30 credits
Research Methods: Approaches to Knowledge	PLT062	15 credits
Public Policy	PLT069	15 credits
Devolution and Public Policy in Wales	PLT074	30 credits
Governing and Policy-Making in Britain	PLT116	15 credits
Contemporary British Politics: Key Trends	PLT421	15 credits
From Mary Wollstonecraft to Lady Gaga: What is this Thing called Feminism?	PLT428	15 credits
Themes and Debates in Contemporary Comparative Politics	PLT432	15 credits
Government from the Inside: from the Minister's Viewpoint	PLT435	15 credits
Conflict and Peace: Northern Ireland	PLT437	15 credits
There Is No Alternative? Britain Under Thatcher	PLT447	15 credits

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

How will I be taught?

Study for a Master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory; we will expect you to undertake self-directed study, be well prepared by completing the required reading and participate fully in classes.

You will be taught through lectures and seminars which are designed to assist you to analyse and evaluate ideas and information from guided reading.

How will I be supported?

We will support you in improving your study and research skills with dedicated classes at the beginning of each semester.

All modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.

You will receive pastoral support through our personal tutor scheme and academic staff have dedicated office hours to meet with you to discuss any learning queries. You are welcome to attend our programme of visiting speakers and guest lectures. A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities.

The University has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. The University also offers writing skills support for students whose first language is not English.

Feedback

Feedback is given orally during seminars and you will receive written feedback on your summative coursework. Feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well how you might improve your performance. Written feedback will be made available no later than four weeks from the submission of your assessment.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed mainly by essay and unseen written examination. Other forms of assessment include seminar presentations, class tests and book and article reviews.

Summative assessments count towards your degree. Your marks in these assessments count towards your formal progression from Stage One (taught modules) to Stage Two (the dissertation), and towards the determination of your final award. The dissertation comprises the Stage Two summative assessment.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Postgraduate students are expected to assume a greater responsibility for their education than undergraduates. Through your Master’s degree, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic employability skills.

During the course you will be able to extend your communication and presentation skills, both oral and written and develop collaborative skills. You will enhance your analytical skills, be able to develop a reasoned argument and reflect on your own learning by making use of constructive feedback.

You will be encouraged to work independently and develop your research skills by seeking relevant materials from a variety of sources, evaluating this evidence to develop a reasoned argument. You will reflect upon empirical and theoretical issues and critically evaluate current research.

The course offers ideal preparation for those seeking a career in and around the institutions of devolved governance in Wales.

Those completing the MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics can expect to find employment in both the public and private sectors.

Tuition fees

UK and EU students (2020/21)

Tuition fee	Deposit	Notes
£8,450	None

More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.

EU students entering in 2019/20 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course. Please be aware that fees may increase annually in line with inflation. No decisions regarding fees and loans for EU students starting in 2020/21 have been made yet. These will be determined as part of the UK's discussions on its membership of the EU and we will provide further details as soon as we can.